Chronic Shoulder Discomfort
I’m a 20-year-old male currently prescribed Depakin Chrono for my epilepsy. Recently, I've been experiencing ongoing issues with both of my shoulders. Each episode of pain typically lasts for about a month, then shifts from one shoulder to the other, and this cycle has been persistent for three years. I suspect it’s not a tear or serious injury because engaging in activities such as biking or rock climbing provides temporary relief, yet I wake up the next day with the discomfort returning or occasionally absent altogether. Pressing on the shoulders does not generally invoke pain. When one shoulder starts to ache, the opposite side tends to feel somewhat unusual as well; although it's not painful, it doesn’t feel quite right—just a milder sensation of the same discomfort. Lifting my shoulder and moving my arm doesn’t trigger any pain either. I’ve attempted various stretching routines, including wall angels and resistance band exercises, but these have not yielded any improvement. Over the past few months, I consulted three different doctors who all struggled to identify the underlying cause and provided no effective solutions. The last professional suggested that I increase my exercise routine, which I recently began doing; however, this has led to intensified shoulder pain.
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 3:01:23 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Point: Chronic shoulder discomfort that shifts from one side to the other can be frustrating, especially when conventional treatments and activities don't provide lasting relief. It's important to focus on understanding your symptoms better and adjusting your self-care to address them.
Explanation: Your description suggests that the discomfort may be related to muscle tension or possibly postural issues rather than a specific injury like a tear. The fact that activities like biking and rock climbing provide relief indicates that movement and stronger blood flow may be beneficial temporarily. However, persistent pain that re-emerges can be linked to repetitive strain, improper mechanics, or even the effects of your current medication.
Next Steps:
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Reevaluate Your Posture: Pay close attention to your posture throughout the day, especially when sitting or engaged in activities. Poor posture can lead to muscular imbalances and discomfort. Try to maintain a neutral spine and ensure your workspaces are ergonomically friendly.
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Incorporate Mobility and Strengthening Exercises: Since stretching has not helped, consider focusing on strengthening the muscles around your shoulder blades. Exercises like scapular squeezes, external rotations with a resistance band, and shoulder blade push-ups can help build strength and stability. Start slowly and increase intensity as tolerated.
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Gradual Exercise Increase: Since increasing your exercise has intensified pain, consider moderating the intensity of your workouts. Focus on low-impact activities that promote range of motion without straining the shoulders, such as swimming or yoga.
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Ice and Heat Therapy: Alternate between ice and heat on your shoulders, especially after exercise, to manage discomfort. Ice can help reduce inflammation, while heat can improve circulation and relieve muscle tension.
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Maintain an Activity Log: Keep a log of activities, pain levels, and any other symptoms you experience. This information can be helpful for understanding patterns and discussing any potential underlying issues with medical professionals in future visits.
Make sure to listen to your body. If the discomfort significantly increases, or if you develop new symptoms, it may be necessary to seek further medical evaluation to rule out conditions like muscle strains or tendonitis that weren't previously considered. Let’s focus on small adjustments to improve your daily experience!
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